Dell Rapids native Allison Byington is like thousands of other Americans who will start a career in real estate this year. They all start with aspiration and, if they did their homework, a realtors license - and not much else.

Byington, 28, said she understands the real estate business can be cut throat, and breaking in and establishing a list of clients can test a greenhorn’s resolve. But a family background in the real estate field, she said, brings her calm as she starts a new career.

“I’m starting my business from the ground up. I have to build my client base and, at this point, I’m relying entirely on referrals from family and friends,” said Byington, who began working with Keller Williams Realty in Sioux Falls last month after earning her real estate license. “At first I was terrified, but with all the support I have I’m feeling confident and excited.”

Both of Byington’s parents are realtors at Landmark Realty in Dell Rapids and veterans in the real estate field.

Her dad, Greg Ammon, is closing in on 15 years of helping people find the right property, and her mother, Jeannie Ammon, is in her 23rd year of selling homes.

Jeannie Ammon said she’s eager to help Byington succeed.

“I can help her navigate the challenges of it. She can talk to me and blow off steam, because starting out, it is hard,” she said.

Aside from emotional support, Byington said she expects her parents to be able to provide tips and lessons on how to make herself more marketable to home sellers and buyers.
Byington decided to follow her parents’ suit after she married her husband Taylor and had her son Behren. She had spent the better part of a decade working a nine to five job in the corporate world, something she says isn’t conducive to the life of a young mother.

“I watched my parents raise me in (the real estate) profession and they were always able to be there no matter what. And I want that for my child,” she said.

Greg Ammon said he and his wife of 37 years are flattered their daughter chose the same career path.

“We are very, very proud of her. It’s not an easy thing to do,” he said.

Greg and Jeannie Ammon, from left, and their daughter Allison Byington share the realtor profession. Byington earned her realtors license last month and says she will lean heavily on her parents early on in her new career.